
r. II. McCABE, San Francisco, California. 

>RBACH. .Tit.. 821 Broadway. X. Y. 



Spencer's Boston Theatre. 

.. m »« 

Price, 12 1-2 Cents, each. Ten for One Dollar. 
BOUND VOLUMES, SI. 



VOL. I. 


VOL. VI. 


VOL. XI. 


1 Moll Pitcher, 


41 Love and Lovalty. 


81 The Mummy. 


2 The Forest Rose, 


42 Robber's Wife. 


82 The Review. 


3 Swiss Swains, i 


43 Happy Man, 


83 Lady of the Lake. 


4 Bachelor's Bedroom, 


44 Dumb Girl of Genoa. 


84 Still 'Water Runs Deep. 


5 Sophia's Supper, 


45 Wreck Ashore, 


85 Man of Many Friends. 


6 A Roland fur an Oliver, 


46 Clari. 


86 Love in Livery. 


7 Blaek-eved Susun, 


47 Miller and his Men. 


87 Antony and Cleopatra. 


8 John Bull, 


48 Wallace. 


88 The Scholar. 


VOL. II. 


VOL. VII. 


VOL. XII. 


9 Satan in Paris, 


49 Madelaine. 


89 Helping Hands. 


10 More Blunders than one, 


50 Betsey Baker. 


90 Aladdin. 


11 Pvosina Meadows, 


51 The Fireman, 


91 Trying it on. 


12 The Dumb Belle, 


52 No. 1, Round the Corner, 


92 Sta^e r-truck Yankee, 


13 My Aunt* 


53 Tedtlv Roe. 


93 Young Wife & Old 


14 Spring and Autumn, 


54 Grist to the Mill. 


94 Last Man, (Umb'la 


15 Six Degrees of Crime, 


55 Object of Interest. 


95 Belles' Stratagem, 


16 Limeiiek Boy, 


56 Two Loves and a Life. 


96 Crinoline. 


VOL. III. 


VOL. VIII. 


VOL. Xl/*. 


17 Presumptive Evidence, 


57 Anne Blake. 


97 Old and Young. 


18 Man and Wife, 


58 My Fellow Clerk. 


98 A Family Failing. 


19 The Sergeant's Wife, 


59 Bengal Tiger. 


99 The Young Scamp, 


20 Masks and faces, 


60 The Steward. 


l(X)The Adopted Child. 


21 Merry Wives of Windsor, 


61 Capt, Kyd. 


101 The Turned Head. 


22 Nature and Philosophy, 


62 Nick of the Woods. 


102 A Match in the Dark, 


23 Agnes de Vere, 


63 The Marble Heart. 


103 Advice to Husbands. 


24 Shandy Maguire, 


64 Laughing Hyena. 


104 Raffaelle. 


VOL. IV. 


VOL. IX. 


VOL,. XIV. 


25 Wild Oats, 


65 Second Love, 


10.-)Ruth r Oakley 


26 Michael Erie, 


66 The Victor Vanquished. 


106 The British Slave. 


27 Teddy the Tiler, 


67 Our Wife 


107 Siamese Twins, 


28 Spectre Bridegroom, 


68 Dream at Sea. 


108 A Life's Ransom, 


2:> Idiot Witness, 


69 My Husband's Mirror. 


109 Sent to the Tower. 


30 Willow Copse, 


70 Yankee Land. 


IRiGiralda, 


31 Matteo Falcone, 


71 Norah Crtina, 


11 1 Time Tries all, 


32 People's Lawyer, 


72 Good * Nothing. 


112 Ella Rosenburg. 


VOL. V. 


VOL. X. 


VOL. XV. 



33 Jenny Lind, 

34 Comedy of Errors, 
! 35 Lucretia Borgia, 

36 Surgeon of Paris. 

37 Patrician's Daughter, 

38 The Two Buzzards, 

39 Shoemaker of Toulouse, 

40 Momentnrw Qnesti >n. 



73 The First Night. 

74 The Rake's Progress. 

75 Pet of the Petticoats. 

76 The Eaton Boy. 

77 Wandering Minstrel. 

78 Wanted 1000 Milliners. 

79 Poor Pillicoddy. 

80 Breach ut Promise. 



113 Somebody Else. 

114 Warlock of the Glen 

115 Zelina, 

116 Ladies' Battle, 

117 Art of Acting, 

118 The Brigand, 

119 The Lady of the Lions, 

120 Neighbor Jackwood. 



WILLIAM V. SPENCER, 
PUBLISHER, 

138 TAT-J^SHinsra-TOKT ST., 
(Corner of Water St.) BOSTON. 



SPENCER'S BOSTON THEATRE No. CLVHI. 

A LUCKY HIT. 

A PETITE COMEDY, 
I 1ST O *T B ACT. 



HOWA&'b PAUL 



AUTHOR OP 



Thrice Married, — Opposite Neighbors, — Rappings and Table-movings,- 

The Queen of Arragon, — Following the Ladies, — 

Etc., Etc. 



WITH ORIGINAL CASTS, COSTUMES, AND THE WHOLE OF THE STAGB 

BUSINESS, CORRECTLY MARKED AND ARRANGED, BY 

MR. 3. B. WRIGHT, ASSISTANT MANAGER 

OP THE BOSTON THEATRE. 



BOSTON: 

WILLIAM V. SPENCER, 

128 Washington Street, Corner op Water. 



/ 

CAST OF CHABACTERS.^ 






w 



Sadler's Wells, 1854. 

Baron Bergonce Mr. Barrett. 

Chevalier Vilbeac, " Davenport. 

Nykon, (a servant,) " Leclair. 

Marchioness de l'Espalier, . Miss Fanny Yining. 



,-SCBNBff PARIS DTlRIfrtXTHE REGENCY. 



• •''"•'^Vwie bj "Representation?— 45 minutes. 



COSTUMES 



Baron.— Green Damask silk square cut coat, gold holes; crimson satin long 
flapped vest, gold holes; green satin loose trunks, amber hows; scarlet stockings, 
with amber clocks; high red heeled black velvet shoes, square amber bow acros3 
shoe; lace ruffles; lace cravat; black sloucheed hat, gold loop; black Ostrich fea- 
thers ; black ringlet wig. 

Chevalier. — Scarlet square cut coat, embroidered in gold; light blue long flap- 
ped satin vest, embroidered in gold; scarlet trunks; high black boots, and gold 
spurs ; drab slouched hat, scarlet and white feathers, gold loop ; white laced cravat, 
and ruffles; brown ringlet wig; Baldric and Spanish rapier; white gauntlets. 

Ntkon. — Amber square cut coat, trimmed with worsted lace; long flapped red 
cloth vest; amber trunks; red stockings; high heeled black shoes; square bow 
across shoe; brown frizzed ringlet wig; white cravat and ruffles. 

Marchioness. — 1st. dress.— Blue brocade looped up dress; primrose satin petti- 
coat, embroidered down in front; white silk hose; high heeled white satin shoes; 
white satin bow across shoe; hair in ringlets, looped with pearls and diamonds. 
2nd. dress. — A scarlet Amazonian riding jacket; gold holes and buttons; white 
Kerseymere vest, embroidered with gold; green long skirt, gold holes down in 
front; black beaver; slouched hat, gold loops; white, blue and red Ostrich fea- 
thers; white gauntlets, gold embroidered tops; black silk gaiters, embroidered 
round tops ; white long lace cravat ; frills and laced ruffles. 



A. HLTJCKY HIT. 



Scene. — An elegantly furnished apartment enclosed with doors practical, 
R. &. L. h. 3. e., in the style of Louis XV, 3. &. 4. g. — large folding 
doors c. practical, backed by handsome interior — a table, large mirror, 
and toilette appointments, on R. H. 2. e. — couch with velvet cushions, on 
L. h. — a small table with writing materials, R. h. 1. e. — 4 chairs on R. 
&. l. — carpet down — arm chair on R. h. 

Enter Baron, c. d. l. h., followed by Nyk on. 

Bar. [speaking as he enters] Has there been a valet waited on 
me this morning ? 

Nyk. He is in the vestibule. 

Bar Is the Marchioness visible ? 

Nyk. She is in the conservatory. 

Bar. I will go to her. Tell the valet to await me here. {Exit 
Baron d. r. h. 3. e., at the same moment Vildebrac appears at c. d. 

L. H.) 

Vil. Was not that the Baron Bergonce who just passed out ? 

Nyk. Yes ; and he wishes you to wait here. 

Vil. Here ? 

Nyk. Those were his orders. [Exit c. d. l. h. 

Vil. Orders ! The word has an unpleasant sound, but I must 
not forget my character. I must put my pride in livery also, or 
pocket it, which is much the same thing (going to mirror R. h.) No 
one would detect me in this garb {walking about provoked,) and now 
I hope I am safe, for if I am recognised as the Chevalier Vilbrac, 
the Bastile would claim the immediate honor of my society. My 
adventure last night at Mousseaux was a most awkward affair. 
The Regent, not content with providing for his guests a torchlight 
fete in his park, with that elegant discrimination for which he is re- 
nowned, gave orders to have all the lights suddenly extinguised, and 
like that (snapping his fingers') we were all in the most fascinating 
darkness. In hurrying through the groups of people, I trod on 
some one's foot — just my luck — and an energetic oath exploding at 
the same moment, of course I thought it a man's. Expecting a 
blow I struck out at hazard, and the same instant I heard a soft 
lovely shriek as plaintive as the note of a thrush. Great heavens ! 
a female had received the blow ! Having a natural repugnance to 
trouble, I fled, but heard a voice exclaim behind me — "Madame 
Parabere is ill." I must have struck the favorite of the Regent ! 
hang Mousseaux ! hang darkness ! hang the Regent ! but I must 



4 A LUCKY HIT. 

take care, or it will be I that will hang. "Well, what was I to do in 
this dilemma. She may have recognised my voice, and her temper 
is hot and impetuous. I could think of nothing better than to 
assume this livery, write a letter of recommendation of myself 
under the name of Francois, my own valet, and apply for a place 
to the Baron Bergonce, who fortunately does not know me person- 
ally. He comes. I must look livery as well as wear it. 
Enter Baron, d. r. h. 3. e. 

Bar. {seeing him) Are you the person who wrote to me ? 

Vil. (l. h.) Yes, M. le Baron. 

Bar. (r. h.) In consideration for your late master, whom I 
know by reputation, I should like to serve you. My establishment 
is full at present, but I have spoken to my aunt, the Marchioness 
de l'Espalier, who understanding you were recommended by the 
Chevalier Vilbrac, consents to engage you. 

Vil. {Aside.) I'm sure I am much obliged to her. {aloud) Does 
she know my late master ! 

Bar. I am not able to say. You will clearly understand, how- 
ever, you owe your engagement to my influence, (x. l. h.) 

Vil. {bowing.) Monsieur le Baron, I am the soul of gratitude. 

Bar. We shall see ; and now I take you into my confidence 
which I trust you will not betray. You must know my uncle, the 
Marquis de l'Espalier, who was a most eccentric creature, some 
years ago had a young and pretty housekeeper in his service, who 
was famous for making superb ices and jellies. My uncle was a 
gourmand as well as a fool, and one day he took it into his head to 
marry his pretty housekeeper. 

Vil. Her ices raised a flame in his bosom. I see. Yes, Mon- 
sieur le Baron. 

Bar. The consequences of this ridiculous marriage were, that my 
expectations were sent to the dogs ! in other words, my uncle, in- 
stead of leaving me his fortune at his death, which occurred about 
two years ago, had the bad taste to settle it all on his wife. 

Vil. Shameful in the extreme. It is just the way with these 
wives. 

Bar. Now, what I desire is, to marry the marchioness, who is 
still blooming. 

Vil. Marry your aunt ? 

Bar. Precisely so. 

Vil. You have my free consent. 

Bar. But it is her's I want ; and I require you now to assist 
me. 

Vil. Anything I can do in my humble capacity, Monsieur le 
Baron I will do cheerfully. 

Bar. To begin then ; I must tell you that she hates the very 
sight of me. 

Vil. {aside) She is evidently a woman of taste. 

Bar. But I fancy if I have near her a faithful fellow like your- 
self, who will perpetually sound my praises, and abuse everybody 
else in an artful manner, I think in time much may be done towards 
dispelling her indifference. Do you comprehend me ? 



A LUCKY HIT. 5 

Vil. Perfectly. I am to combine the duties of a servant with the 
functions of the spy. To lose no opportunity of knocking every- 
body else down and helping you up. 

Bar. Your aptitude delights me (giving money.') Accept this as a 
token of my appreciation. 

Vil. Thanks, Monsieur le Baron; I fully enter into your feelings. 
You want a subtle, cunning, ingenious knave. 

Bar. Precisely. I repose perfect confidence in you in this noble 
employment. 

Vil. (bowing) You do me great honor. 

Bar. That's a good Francois. Keep your ears to the doors and 
your eyes to the letters. 

Vil. I understand — thus (ivith his hand as if rounding a letter and 
peeping into it.) Although not educated, I am a man of letters 
enough for that, (aside.) The old rogue. 

Bar. Your cleverness quite surprises me. (aside.) He will be in- 
valuable in this business. I'll bind him to me closely, (aloud) So 
much do 1 prize your discrimination, there's another mark of my 
favor. 

Vil. [declining'] Oh, Monsieur le Baron, you — 

Bar. Nonsense, fellow, [he forces a gold coin into his hand, which 
he holds behind him] Hush ! here comes the marchioness. Leave 
me, and I'll speak of you to her. 

[crosses to R. h. 

Vil. [aside] Ah ! Baron, if you only knew what a sad mistake 
you are making [Exit, c. d. l. h. 

Enter Marchioness, d. r. h. 3. e. She walks about the room in a state 
of agitation, the Baron following her with an anxious air. 

Mar. [h. h.] I would give half I possess in the world to know 
who it was — 

Bar. (r. h., aside) To know who who was, I wonder. 

Mar. Whenever I think of it, the indignant blood leaps through 
my veins. I always loved Mousseaux ; and after the Regent ordered 
the lights to be extinguished, I received two declarations, four kisses 
and — and a blow. 

Bar. [aside] What a temper she is in! 

Mar. The declarations and. the kisses were all well enough, but 
the blow 

Bar. [approching her] Dearest aunt ! 

Mar. Oh ! are you here again, (aside) "What a bore it is to have 
a nephew old enough to be your grandfather. 

Bar. Captivating aunt ! (drawing his face up in a grotesque smile) 

Mar. Captivating fiddlesticks ! Don't do that, it makes you look 
like a monkey. A smile on your face reminds me of a butterfly on a 
nutmeg grater. 

Bar. (aside) I can't see the simile, (aloud) Charming, incom- 
parable aunt ! — would I could add wife as well— I wish to speak to 
you about the new valet. 

Mar. Well, well — where is he ? 

Bar. In the ante-room, dearest aunt. 

Mar. Let me see him. (Baron goes to the C. p. L, H., a,nd beckens 



6 A LUCKY HIT. 

in Vilbrac) That old man will make me have wrinkles before I 
am five-and-thirty. He irritates me to death, (seeing Vilbrac on 
l. h.) Well, (aside) Ah ! 

Bar. What's the matter, sweetest aunt ? 

Mar. Nothing — nothing ; only I thought I had seen this man. 
before, (aside) How absurd — besides, the other was much more 
slender, (to Vilbrac) Come here — (stamping her foot ill-tempered ly) 
Come here, I say ! 

Vil. (approaching her slowly to c.) Madame, I have not got wings. 

Mar. Who said you had, fool. What is your name ? Speak ! 
don't keep me waiting. 

Vil. Francois, madame. (aside) She has got a temper of her 
own. 

Mar. Well, Francois, I'm in an ill-humor. 

Vil. (sarcastically) Indeed, madame, I should never have sus- 
pected it. 

Bar. (l. h. — aside) Exquisite readiness — he will do wonders 
for me. 

Mar. (c.) Francois. 

Vil. Yes, madame. 

Mar. (peevishly) Nothing. 

Vil. Thank you, madame. 

Mar. (r. h.) I mean I take you into my service. You shall 
have nothing to do, and plenty to eat. Will that suit you ? 

Vil. At doing nothing I am a master — a valet, I beg madame's 
pardon ; and in the matter of appetite, from a child, I have been 
remarked for my capacity in that respect. 

Mar. Servants are all alike. Yes, yes, I know all about it. 

Bar. (aside) She speaks from experience. 

Mar. (loudly) Leave me, but be within sound of my bell — do 
you hepj ? 

Vil. (coolly) Every word distinctly, madame. (Exit, c. d. l. h. 

Mar. JBaron, I have seen you tAvice before to-day. 

Bar. (aside) That means go. (aloud) Yes, darling aunt, I could 
see you a thousand times a day, and — 

Mar. I would not wish to see you once, (curtseying formally) 
Good morning, Baron. 

Bar. [bowing obsequiously] Good morning, [aside] Her ill-breed- 
ing is remarkable, This comes of entering the drawing-room 
through the kitchen. [Exit, c. r>. l. h. 

Mar. What an astonishing likeness that man bears to his former 
master, the Chevalier Vilbrac, whom I once loved, when I was 
lady's maid to his aunt, the Baroness Brevanne, at St. Germains. 
A lady's maid, and now I am a marchioness ! Would any one be- 
lieve, from my manners, that I was not born with a ready-made 
coronet on my coach, [taking stage with dignity] Ah ! the Chevalier 
has forgotten me. I left his aunt, and went as housekeeper to the 
Marquis Espalier, finally became his wife, and so he has lost sight 
of little Florine, as he once called me. [throwing herself in a chair, 
r. h.] Ah me ! His valet brings back a long train of pleasant re- 
collections, and I am not sure but that I was happier then as Florine 



A LUCKY HIT. 



then now as the Marchioness. I have a strange fancy that this va- 
let looks excedingly like the master. I must have another look at 
him. [rings bell on R. h.J 

Enter Vilbrac, c. d. l. h. 

Vil. Did you ring, madame ? 

Mar. J"r. h.] Why did you come up ? 

Vil. Because madame rang. 

Mar. Then why do you ask ? 

Vil. [l. h.] I believe that is the usual remark of servants. 

Mar. [aside] The usual remark of servants, [aloud] You are 
quite right, Francois, [aside] If my memory serves me, he is very 
like. Francois ! 

Vil. Yes, madame. 

Mar. I am perishing with ennui. I wish to be amused. Suppose 
you tell me a story. 

Vil. What shall I tell madame ? 

Mar. Something I do not know, of course. 

Vil. I fear that is impossible. 

Mar. Come, come, go on ; wait, ring for Nanette. She will fin- 
ish dressing my hair, while you relate me some pretty anecdote. 
One you learned from your former master/ 

Vil. I tremble to tell you, madame, that I just gave the servants 
permission to go out 

Mar. [jumping up] What do I hear ? You gave them permission 
— you — you — you ! [confronting and walking him about the apartment] 
I never heard of such audacity ! [aside] He is so like the Cheva- 
lier, I can't scold him. 

Vil. (with decision) I may as well tell you now, madame, as any 
other time, that I cannot accept a situation if I am not allowed to 
do just as I please. 

Mar. (sinking into chair) Oh ! Well, I may presume that if you 
send the servants out, you will fulfil their several duties. 

Vil. Unquestionably, madame. I can do anything — from ser- 
ving an ice to arranging a lady's hair. 

Mar. Perhaps you will illustrate your skill, then, on mine. 
(aside) His impudence amuses me. (the Marchioness sits at her toi- 
lette, r. h., facing the mirror) 

Vil. I shall endeaver to give madame satisfaction, (he attempts 
to dress her hair, and. sprinkles the powder on it) 

Mar. There, don't get the powder in my eyes. 

Vil. I have thrown dust in people's eyes before now, but never 
powder, especially such eyes as madame possesses. 

Mar. How awkward you are. (looking up into his face) Do you 
think my eyes pretty ? 

Vil. They brim with sweetness and expression, as my former 
master would say. 

Mar. Your former master ; yes, tell me of him. Has he the same 
distaste for military life ? 

Vil. I believe so. 

Mar. They say he is brave-hearted too. 



8 A LUCKY HIT. 

Vil. He would go through fire and water to save a friend. Wa- 
ter I am sure he would, for he can swim. 

Mar. They tell me that he will not fight a duel. 

Vil. No, for some crotchet he has. I have often heard him say 
that duelling is a barbarous custom. 

Mar. Between ourselves, Francois, I think him a bit of a coward. 

Vil. (aside) A coward ! 

Mar. What do you think? 

Vil. I'll take it on myself to answer for him — he is not. 

Mar. "Well, I am not at all clear on that point. Where is he now, 
I wonder ? Is he far away ? 

Vil. ( pointedly) Not very. 

Mar. Where is he then ? 

Vil. In Paris, and closely disguised. i; 

Mar. Disguised ? 

Vil. Yes, madame : now you will not betray him ? 

Mar. I give you my honor. 

Vil. He was last night at the fete given by the Regent, at Mous- 
seaux, and in the dark, by mistake, he struck Madame Parabere, 
the Regent's favorite, a blow. 

Mar. That blow that has made so much noise, (aside) Then it 
was Vilbrac's hand who dealt it, and he thinks Madame Parabere 
suffered, (aloud) Do you know the retreat he has chosen ? 

Vil. I fancy I do. 

Mar. Is he safe ? 

Vil. I hope so. (aside) With all my heart. 

Mar. Do you think he would be safe here ? 

Vil. Yes, Madame, but — 

Mar. But what ? (going to escritoire, R. h. 1 e.) I'll write to him 
without delay, and you shall convey the letter, (writing') 

Vil. Pardon me, madame, but whence arises this interest in 
him ? You know him, then ? 

Mar, (writing) How many b's are there in trouble ? 

\il. Generally speaking, one. 

Mar. There, (reading) " I hear you are in trouble. I offer you 
an asylum in my hotel. Do not hesitate to accept my protection." 
(folding it) What a bore writing is when you forget how to spell. 
You must address it. (gives him the letter, and he addresses it.) 

Vil. This is great kindness on your part, (giving her the. letter) 

Mar. (looking at the. address — aside) That handwriting! I'll swear 
it is his ! My suspicions are confirmed, this is the Chevalier. I 
must not let him see I recognise him. (gaily) Y"ou undertake — 
what did you say your name was ? 

Vl. Francois, madame. 

Mar. (aside) How well he plays his part, (aloud) You under- 
take to convey this to him safely? 

Vil. (putting it in his pocket) Madame may be as easy as if he had 
it at this moment. 

Mar. And now see whether the servants have returned, and order 
luncheon. 

Vil. Y r es, madame. (Bows, and exit, c. d. l. h. 



A LUCKY HIT. 9 

Mar. The Chevalier here in disguise, and in consequence of the 
blow I received ! If it was any other than he, I would — I scarcely 
like to confess what I would not do. My new station must change 
me wonderfully, or he would have recognised me, though he has 
not seen me for years. Then we were both poor. Now he has a 
title and fortune, and so have I. Time makes strange changes, 
though I retain the same love I had for him when I was a girl. 
Stay, before I interrogate my heart too closely, there is a cloud about 
the courage of this man that I must dispel. Ah ! he is here. 
Enter Vilbrac, c. d. l. h., with Nykon bearing a small table, on which 
is spread luncheon, he places a chair for her, and she sits. 

[Exit Nykon, c. d. 1.,h. 

Vil. I trust, madame, it is served with gout, (aside) I'm furious- 
ly hungry myself, (he is about to help himself to a glass of wine.) 

Mar. What are you about ? Your place is behind my chair. 

Vil. Ah, madame, I forget myself. 

Mar. You do indeed. 

Vil. You will pardon me. (he stands behind her chair.) 

Mir. By the way, resuming the subject we were talking of, is 
the Chevalier Vilbrac married ? 

Vil. (taking a sponge cake, unseen, and eating.) No, madame. 

Mar. Has he never loved ? (his mouth is so full he cannot reply. ) 
Do you hear me, Francois ? 

Vil. Yes, madame. 

Mar. Then why don't you answer. 

Vil. Never but once, I believe, and that was some years ago. 

Mar. Who was the object of his adoration ? Some opera dancer, 
I dare say. 

Vil. Nothing of the sort ; it was a simple lady's-maid. 

Mar. What was her name ? 

Vil. Florine, if I mistake not. She was a waiting maid in the 
service of his aunt at St. Germains. 

Mar. (starting, aside.) He did love me then. 

Vil. What is the matter, madame ? 

Mar. Nothing — only a bone had like to have gone the wrong 
way. Did you ever hear him say that Florine was pretty ? 

Vil. Oh, yes; I have seen her myself, and I fancy she resembles 
you, only your brow is fairer, and your cheek more beautifully 
rounded. 

Mar. If he loved her as you say, why did he not marry her ? 

Vil. His aunt forced him to leave St. Germains, and she after- 
wards wrote to him that his Florine had eloped to England with 
an officer of dragoons. 

Mar. (aside.) The old vixen ! I shall die with rage. 1 know I 
shall. 

Vil. This news made my master very unhappy. He resolved to 
forget her, and accordingly plunged into all the dissipations of 
Paris. What a lucky escape it was for him, madame, was it not ? 
Only think of a fine handsome fellow marrying a woman who would 
behave in that fashion. 

Mar. (aside) England! — Officer! — Dragoons! (aloud) I feel as 
if I should choke. 



10 A LUCKY HIT. 

Vil. Choke! Wash it down with this, (pouring out a glass of wint 
and giving it to her quickly.) 

Mar. (drinking) There, I am better now. 

Vil. Would you believe it, madame, my master never took lun- 
cheon without me. 

Mar. (aside.) I can readily believe it. (aloud.) Perhaps you 
would like to continue the habit in your new quarters ? 

Vil. To say the truth, I'm dying with hunger. Nothing would 
give me more happiness. 

Mar. Be seated then, (rises, she helps him, he eats and drinks raven- 
ously.) You must consider yourself highly flattered by this honor. 
It is not every valet who is permitted to lunch with his mistress. 

Vil. Believe me, madame, I do feel honored, and I attribute it to 
the most eccentric of condescensions — to say nothing of kindness. 

Mar. You have penetration, I observe. 

Vil. Believe me, madame, I caught it from my master. 

Mar. [aside] Pretty egotism, upon my honor, [quickly] There, 
there ; you have eaten enough for the present. 

Vil. No, indeed, I have only just begun. 

Mar. It will make me desolate to see you eat any more at this 
moment, [reclining on the couch, l. h.] Place this cushion under my 
feet and bathe my temples with rose-water, [he brings bottle from toi- 
lette table, k. h.] No, lavender, [he changes bottle] No, orange-water — 
no, millefleur — no, violet ; there, I don't know what I want, [throw- 
ing her head back on the couch and fanning herself] 

Vil. [aside.] She is as capricious as a swarm of humming-birds, 
and as changeable as a weathercock. 

Mar. Francois, what are you saying to yourself ? Place this 
cushion for my feet. [He placss a cushion on the floor, and she rests her 
feet coquettishly on it, arranging her dress in order to exhibit them.] That 
will do very well. 

Vil. [kneeling at her feet, and gazing at them admiringly.] Pardon, 
madame, but your feet are so tiny and exquisite, that I almost wish 
I was one of the little blue slippers that imprison them. 

Mar. [with affected anger.] Francois, you are growing presump- 
tuous. 

Vil. That's another habit I caught from my master. He never 
sees a beautiful woman, but he revels in a sea of compliments ; and 
in that respect I am so much like him. 

Mar. [aside] And no wonder. 

Vil. Madame, you say I am presumptuous. After all, this 
livery is only the covering of a man. Is it because you are a mar- 
chioness, you are pretty ? Who knows but that because you are 
pretty, you are a marchioness. 

Mar. [aside] Is he going to confess himself ? 

Vil. [earnestly] Marchioness or not, I only see in you a woman 
— a pretty, kind-hearted, coquettish, [aside] spoiled [aloud] wo- 
man. I will confess, then, if I perish for my boldness, I love you 
with all my soul. You see at your feet not your valet, but your 
slave ! [falling at. her feet and covering her hand with kisses.] 

Mar. [aside] Why does he not reveal who he is ? 



A LUCKY HIT. 11 

Enter Baron, c. d. l. h., who perceives Vilbrac at the feet of the 
Marchioness. 

Bar. (with a pause.) The devil ! Here fellow, is that the way to 
follow my instructions ? 

Mar. Baron, you are a bore. Francois was amusing me so 
pleasantly. 

Vil. I was relating a fairy legend to madame. 

Bar. Yes, I know all about these fairy legends, as you call them. 
Leave the room, (walks furiously about the apartment.) 

Mar. Ha, ha ! how very amusing, [aside] Now to put an idea 
in practice, and try the courage of my gallant chevalier. 

[Exit, c. d. i. H. 
Bar. (seeing Vil.) How, fellow, are you not gone ? 

Vil. Gone, indeed. I should think not. I have promoted my- 
self. 

Bar. (sarcastically.) To what position, may T ask ? 

Vil. To Prince Regent of the establishment, and Knight Com- 
mander of this boudoir. (Vilbrac removes luncheon on centre table, to 
side, 3 e. l., and arranges things on tables, etc., R. h.) 
Bar. (aside) His impertinence absolutely chills me. 

Vil. By-the-by, Monsieur le Baron — do you take snuff ? Per- 
haps you will oblige me with your box. 

Bar. (indignantly) Fellow ! 

Vil. I dropped mine this morning in the river. Confound the 
thing ! it was a present from my late master. It had a double lid 
— with a picture of a Madonna on the outside, and on the inside, 
two lovers exchanging kisses by moonlight. Charming antithesis, 
eh? 

Bar. Leave the room, knave. 

Vil. It is impossible. Madame's orders were that I should re- 
main, (humming a tune.) 

Bar. Stop your singing, immediately. 

Vil. With great pleasure, (whistling.) 

Bar. Insult me further, varlet, and I'll — 

Vil. (dancing a few steps of the Minuet de la Cceur.) Are you fond 
of Terpsichore ? Perhaps you will join me in a minuet. 

Bar. I'll minuet my cane about your back. 

Vil. I strongly recommend you to do nothing of the sort. It is 
an old saying, " Two of a trade rarely agree." 

Bar. flow fellow ! (he chases him about the room with his cane, Vil. 
using his arm to parry the blows. He at length deals the Baron a sound 
slap on the cheek.) 

Bar. A blow — Sacre Dieu ! In ten minntes time you shall hear 
from me. ( going.) 

Vil. How — a duel ? 

Bar. A duel with a valet. No, fellow, I shall summon the guard. 

Vil. (aside.) He has me in his power. I have assaulted him. 
The Bastile seems doomed to receive me. I had better claim the 
protection my rank affords than be dragged ignominiously to prison. 

Bar. I'll teach you to assault your superiors. 



12 A LUCKY HIT. 

Vil. Baron Bergonce, I am your equal. 

Bar. How ? 

Vil. For know that, instead of Francois the valet, I am the 
Chevalier Vilbrac. 

Bir. Pooh — pooh ; that's a likely story. This is the dress of a 
chevalier. Oh, yes — of course it is. 

Vil. I tell you, Baron, 1 am in disguise. 

Bar. And why in disguise ? Why dupe me with your mean dis- 
guises ? 

Vil. I confess to you, then, that at the fete at Mousseaux, last 
night, I gave by mistake, in the dark, Madame Parabere a blow. 

Bar. You seem to be apt at that sort of thing, (rubbing his face.) 
Well, sir, now that I know who I am to deal with, we'll arrange 
the conditions of the combat. 

Vil. You mean that one of us must die, unless apologies — 

Bar. Of the most profound and humble character are offered — 

Vil. Without witnesses ? 

Bar. Yes. 

Vil. Well, then, apologise to me for using your cane, and I'll 
forgive you. Duels are so stupidly inconsistent. 

Bar. I like your coolness. It is you who should offer an apolo- 
gy, not I. 

Vil. What an original idea ! I take it that you are to be the 
apologist. Come now, listen to reason. 

Bar. Listen to the devil ! I tell you it is I who must receive the 
aplogy. 

Vil. Baron, I did think you were more clear-headed ; but we 
will be compelled, 1 see. 

Bar. (angrily.) To fight, after all, Chevalier Vilbrac. 
Enter Nykon, c. d. l. h. 

Nykon. Madame Parabere. [bows.] 
Enter the Marchioness, c. d. i» h., dressed in a riding habit, cap and 
feathers, with a whip in her hand, and her face concealed by a green vel- 
vet mask. The c. of the stxige clear. [Exit Nykon, c. d. l. h. 

Bar. [aside.] Madame Parabere. 

Vil. [aside, simultaneously.] Madame Parabere ! And I have 
just confessed to the Baron. I had better make my escape, (he at- 
temps to exit, door c, when she flourishes her whip, and intercepts him.) 

Mar. Stay, young man. Which of you two is named Francois ? 

Bar. [aside.] What a queston to ask me. 

Mar. (consulting her tablets.) I have his description here, (to Vil- 
brac.) I see, it is you. You are the Chevalier Vilbrac in disguise. 
You perceive I am not a woman to be trifled with. 

Vil. [bending his head.] It is useless to deny, I am — 

Mar. Perfectly, for it saves time, [the Baron is about to exit, c, 
when he is stopped by the Marchioness.] Remain here. This is an 
affair of honor, and you will serve as a witness. 

Bar. Witness ! 

Mar. (to Vilbrac") You may be aware, Chevalier, that a gen- 
tleman has very recently grossly insulted a lady. You are the 
genleman — I am the lady — 



A LUCKY HIT. 13 

Vil. Madame, believe me — 

Mar. (interrupting him.) Not a word ; one syllable to tbe Regent, 
and your head would have paid the forfeit ; but that is not'my mode 
of proceeding. I believe it to be useless to confide to others what 
one can do oneself. 

Vil. Then, madame, you wish — 

Mar. Satisfaction for the outrage you committed last night. A 
trifle will satisfy me. 

Vil. Name it, madame. 

Mar. (with determination.) Your life ! 

Vil. I have every desire to gratify you, madame, but what you 
set so small a value on is highly important to me. I cannot, there- 
fore, yield it without resistance. 

Mar. I have no desire to fell you with one blow. A duel is the 
better plan. 

Vil. Fight with a lady ! 

Mar. Do not give yourself concern on that point. You will find 
me a match for a man. 

Vil. 1 am much flattered by the honor you do me ; but I really 
am afraid of hurting you. 

Mar. Pray don't feel disturbed. If it will strengthen your con- 
fidence in me, allow me to tell you that T studied under St. George ; 
and Madame Villars, the heroine of that famous duel with the 
Marchioness of Nesle, is my pupil. I may as well tell you, also, 
that I pinked her three times this morning, after having disarmed 
Madame Polignac, who has the steadiest nerves and the quickest 
eye in the kingdom, (she claps her hands — enter Nykon, c. d. l. h., 
with two sivords — she takes one from him.) 

Vil. My feelings have undergone a change, your account strikes 
me so forcibly. Suppose you kill me. 

Mar. {flourishing the sword.] I confidently count on doing so. 

Vil. But allow me to argue. 

Mar. (with a sneer.) Argue! I fear I am deceived. Your hesita- 
tion shows you to be only a lacquey, and not the Chevalier Vilbrac. 

Vil. [ aside, bitterly. .] A lacquey ! 

Bar. He tried to persuade me he is that gentleman, but his spir- 
it proves to the contrary. 

Mar. You are quite right, Baron — it does. Ha ! ha ! and I wish- 
ed to fight this drudge. 

Bar. Ha — ha — an imposter ! 

Vil. (aside, which the Marchioness observes.) Drudge! impostor! 

Mar. (aside.) I'll work him up to it. (aloud.) You must have 
been very much frightened, my poor fellow. 

Vil. (snatching the remaining sword from Nykon, who exits, C.) 
Come on, Madame! I don't wish your pity. 

Mar. [aside.] At last. This is well, [aloud.'] Guard ! 

[they fight. Vilbrac makes her retreat. 

Vil. You perceive that I am not a lacquey, but a gentleman. 

Mar. (stopping to rest, with exhaustion.) On my honor, he fights 
very well, (they resume the fight, and Vilbrac disarms her.) I am dis- 
armed, (falling into a chair, and speaking aside.) If I had any doubts 



14 A LTJCKt TUT. 

of his courage I am now abundantly satisfied, {aloud.') What 
strength you possess*! 

Vil. A woman cannot put it fairly to the test. The Baron shall 
now develope it still further. (pressing a sword on the Baron. 

Bar. (retreating.) Eh — fight ? No, no. I'll be content with an 
apology. 

Vil. Never. Come, don't lose time. 

Bar. Then I'll make you one. 

Vil. I'll not receive it. Defend yourself, or I'll impale you on 
the spot. 

Mar. Bravo ! bravo ! Ha ! ha ! (applauding.) 
(Vilbrac fights the Baron, who defends himself clumsily, and at length 
pinks him on the shoulder.) 

Bar. Enough, enough — I'm wounded. 

Vil. (wiping his sword.) Then honor is satisfied, and I know you 
for a miserable coward, (turning to Marchioness, and kneeling.) 
"Will you deign, madame, to pardon me for that blow inflicted by 
mistake ? 

Mar. (pulling off her mask, c.) You are fully forgiven. 

Bar. ) , . ,, , >. My aunt! 

Vil J (simultaneously.) Th " e Marchioness t 

Mar. (to Vilbrac.) The Marchioness now, but who was once 
that same little Florine of whom you told me to-day. 

Vil. Can it be possible that the Marchioness Espalier is the same 
Elorine I once loved at St. Germains. 

Mar. (playfully.) The very identical one, with certain additions 
and improvements too numerous to mention. 

Vil. [aside. J It has all the wildness of a vision, (aloud.) And 
how about the dragoon officer and England. 

Mar. It was a wicked invention of your aunt to drive me out of 
your mind. 

Vil. Instead of which it drove me almost out of my own. And 
tell me about that blow last night. I am still in the dark. 

Mar. It was received by me. 

Vil. A thousand pardons, dearest Florine ; for I will still call 
you so. The Baron has been good enough to take me into his con- 
fidence, and tell me the story of your marriage. I know you are 
now the most charming of widows. 

Bar. But she need not be so any longer. I offer her my hand. 

Vil. And take care you do not get my foot in return, (throwing 
the coins at him.) There are your bribes, old man. 

Mar. And do you love the Marchioness as you once loved 
Florine ? 

Vil. With my whole soul ; and, singular as it may appear, it 
strikes me I am indebted greatly to that blow last night ; for it has 
enabled me to restore to my arms my lost Florine. 

Bar. What, aunt ; you are not going to marry this man ? — 

Mar. Whom you yourself presented. You will be more careful 
in future in the selection of your servants, lest in offering me a peb- 
ble you find a. pearl, (stepping forward .) 



A LUCKY HIT. 15 

And now, kind friends, a word before you go. 
Shall I pass, like the idle winds that blow ? 
For, after all, I've no wish to be hard — 
'Twas but a striking proof of his regard. 
If you approve for what we've racked our wits, 
We'll think that blow the luckiest of hits. 

SITUATIONS. 

Marchioness. 

Chevalier. Baron. 

(R. H.) 



(L. H.) 



C UR TA IN. 



Spencer's Boston Theatre. 



Price, 12 1-2 Cents, each. Ten for One Dollar. 
BOUND VOUIMKS. ®1. 



VOL. XVI. 

121 The Wonder, 

122 The Uights of Man. 
12'i lluln-ri Kmmet 

124 My Husband's Ghost 
12"> b'iirhtintj by I'roxy, [Game 
J2M Two Can Play at that 
L27 Uii|irotiTti'il Female, 
128 Green Bushes. 

VOL. XVII. 

12!) Flowers of the Purest 

130 Forty and Fifty, 

181 Who Stole the Pocketbook 

132 A Bachelor of Arts. 

133 My Son Diana, 

134 The Midnight Banquet. 

135 Unwarrantable Intrusion. 

136 Mr. & Mrs. White. 

VOL. XVIII. 

137 A Quiet Family, 

138 Husband of an hour, 

139 Love's Telegraph, 

140 The Naiad Queen. 

141 Caprice. 

142 Cool as a 'oucumber, 

143 Sudde^Thoughts, 

VOL. XIX. 

145 The Cradle of Liberty, 

146 A Blighted Being, 

147 Little Toddlekius, 
14} The Lost Ship, 

149 A Lover by Proxy, [Pail, 

150 Maid with the Milking 

151 Country Squire, 

152 Perplexing Predicament. 

VOL. XX. 

153 Fraud and its Victims, 

154 Or. Dilworth. 

155 Out to Nurse, 
liG Putnam. 

157 The King and Deserter. 
153 A Lucky Hit, 

159 The Dowager, 

160 La Fiammina, 



VOL. XXI. 

101 A Hard Struggle, 

162 Gwiuueth Vaughan, 

163 

164 

165 

166 

167 

168 



VOL. XXII. 



169 
170 
171 
172 
173 
174 
175 
176 



VOL. XXIII. 



177 
173 

179 
180 
181 
182 
183 
134 



VOL. XXIV. 



135 
186 
187 
188 
189 
190 
191 
192 



VOL. XXV. 



193 
194 
195 
196 
197 
198 
; 199 
200 



VOL. XXVI. 



201 
2it2 
203 
2i)4 
205 
206 
207 
2U8 



VOL. XXVII. 



209 
210 
211 
212 
213 
214 
215 
216 



VOL. XXVIII. 



217 
218 
219 
220 
221 
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223 



VOL. XXIX. 



225 

226 
227 
228 
229 
230 
231 
232 



VOL. XXX. 



233 
2.34 

235 
236 
237 
238 
239 
240 



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THE FALSE AND THE TRUE. 



A DRAMA IN FIVE ACTS, 



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AUTHOR OP 



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